Australians will be able to watch one of the best meteor showers of the year in even higher definition when the celestial show reaches a climax on Friday morning.

The Geminids is considered the premier and most reliable annual meteor showers, according to NASA.

During its peak in mid-December, 120 meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions.

Experts say this year’s spectacular will be better than usual as the Geminids coincides with a new moon, making the skies darker than usual.

Meteor rates in rural areas could be upwards of one per minute with minimal moonlight to interfere.

The best time for Australians to stare towards the heavens is between 1am and 5am on Friday (AEDT).

The Geminids over China in 2020. Photo: Getty

NASA’s website explains that the Geminids are bright and fast meteors that tend to be yellow in colour.

They appear to radiate from a point in the constellation Gemini, hence the name.

The meteors are from bits and pieces broken off an asteroid — 3200 Phaethon — which leave dusty trails as they come around the sun.

Due to its close approach to the sun, Phaethon is named after the mythological Greek character who drove the sun-god Helios’ chariot.

Tweet from @NASA

NASA offers some tips to ensure you enjoy prime viewing:

• As with all meteor showers, all you need is a clear sky, darkness and a bit of patience.
• You don’t need to look in any particular direction, as meteors can generally be seen all over the sky.
• Find the darkest place you can and give your eyes about 30 minutes to adapt to the dark.
• Avoid looking at your mobile phone, as it will disrupt your night vision.
• Lie flat on your back and look straight up, taking in as much sky as possible.